The Mouths Brings Chilling Horror to Fantasia 2026

Director Takashi Shimizu is back with The Mouths, a new horror film that premiered at the 2026 Fantasia International Film Festival. Based on Sesuji's A Questionnaire About The Mouth, the story follows a group of university students who visit a cursed cemetery tree during a test of bravery. When one student, An, acts strangely and disappears after climbing the tree, a dark mystery begins to unfold.

The film excels at creating tension through clever visuals and unsettling sound design. Instead of relying on loud scares, Shimizu uses small, macabre details and intense performances to keep the audience on edge. The story is told through a series of interrogation style interviews, where characters describe their memories against a stark black screen. This format highlights the uncertainty of their accounts and forces us to wonder if they are telling the truth or hiding something sinister.

While the plot becomes a bit tangled in the final act, the cast carries the film with impressive performances. Ai Yoshikawa stands out as she shifts from a charming student to a terrifying, primal force after the incident at the tree. Rihito Itagaki also delivers a gripping breakdown as the story moves forward, helping the audience stay invested even when the narrative gets complicated.

Though the ending leaves many questions unanswered, The Mouths is a masterclass in atmosphere. It is a slow burn that gets under your skin, proving once again that Shimizu knows how to craft a truly effective horror experience.